Researcher in biomedical engineering with a focus on the culture of organoids
Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.
Temporary full-time position, 2 years, with starting date as agreed upon
The position is located at the Division of Biomedical Engineering in the interdisciplinary research group EMBLA, which is led by Professor Maria Tenje. The group conducts successful and internationally-recognized research in organs-on-chip and droplet-based microfluidics in collaboration with research teams at several different Swedish and overseas universities. Research funding has been obtained through several prestigious awards, including a Wallenberg Fellowship, ERC Starting Grant and ERC Consolidator Grant. Today we are approx. 15 people in the group and having recently received extended funding from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation for a project focused on the development of microfluidic solutions for the production and culture of organoids, we are now looking for motivated and results-oriented research talents for the group.
Research project: This project focuses on developing microfluidic solutions for the production and culture of organoids, especially brain organoids. You will be part of a team within the research group that today includes five people with good knowledge of the manufacture and use of organ-on-chip systems and integrated acoustics. To strengthen the research team, we are looking for an expert in stem cell biology.
Work duties: The tasks in this research project include carrying out high-quality research using so-called organ-on-chip system in which cells can be grown under controlled conditions. In particular, the focus is on differentiation of stem cells and development of brain organoids with the aim of developing culture protocols that can be performed both on a large scale and “on-chip”. Your task is also to evaluate which cell populations develop in the organoids depending on which culture platform is used.
Your duties will also include responsibility for the group’s cell culture lab.
In addition to research, some participation is also included in the supervision of doctoral students, master’s and project students as well as communication of research results through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences. Some participation in teaching may also be included. You are also expected to contribute to applications for external research funding.
Qualification requirements: Doctoral degree in stem cell biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, applied biotechnology, biomedical engineering or equivalent education in an adjacent area, as well as solid knowledge and many years of experience in the cultivation and differentiation of stem cells.
The research places great demands on creativity, analytical ability and practical skills in cell culture, stem cell differentiation and biological evaluations. Documented experience and knowledge in cell staining and fluorescence microscopy is required for the position.
We attach great importance to your personal qualities and you must be independent, have achieved scientific maturity and possess a strong inner motivation to achieve success in your research. You are not afraid to learn new techniques and methods from your colleagues, with whom you also freely share your own new insights. You are pedagogical, structured and can work effectively both individually and in groups and easily collaborate in interdisciplinary research environments with colleagues both within and outside the research group.
Additional qualifications: Documented experience of PCR or other methods for genetic analysis is highly meritorious. Documented experience in aspects related to the commercialization of research results is an advantage. Documented experience of cell culture in microsystems is an advantage.